Evaluating sources of variability in inflorescence number, flower number and the progression of flowering in Sauvignon blanc using a Bayesian modelling framework

The time of flowering is key to understanding the development of grapevines. Flowering coincides with inflorescence initiation and fruit set, important determinants of yield. This research aimed to determine between and within-vine variability in 4-cane-pruned Sauvignon blanc inflorescence number per shoot, number of flowers per inflorescence and flowering progression using an objective method of assessing flowering via image capture and statistical analysis using a Bayesian modelling framework. The inflorescence number and number of flowers per inflorescence were measured by taking images over the flowering period. Flowering progression was assessed by counting open and closed flowers for each image over two seasons. An ordinal multinomial generalised linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) was fitted for inflorescence number, a Poisson GLMM for flower counts and a binomial GLMM for flowering progression. All the models were fitted and interpreted within a Bayesian modelling framework. Shoots arising from cane node one had lower numbers of inflorescences compared to those at nodes 3, 5 and 7, which were similar. The number of flowers per inflorescence was greater for basal inflorescences on a shoot than apical ones. Flowering was earlier, by two weeks, and faster in 2017/18 when compared to 2018/19 reflecting seasonal temperature differences. The time and duration of flowering varied at each inflorescence position along the cane. While basal inflorescences flowered later and apical earlier at lower insertion points on the shoot, the variability in flowering at each position on the vine dominated the date and duration of flowering.This is the first study using a Bayesian modelling framework to assess variability inflorescence presence and flower number, as well as flowering progression via objective quantification of open and closed flower counts rather than the more subjective method of visual estimation in the field or via cuttings. Although flower number differed for apical and basal bunches, little difference in timing and progression of flowering by these categories was observed. The node insertion point along a shoot was more important. Overall, the results indicate individual inflorescence variation and season are the key factors driving flowering variability and are most likely to impact fruit set and yield.

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Almond Fruit Drop Patterns under Mediterranean Conditions

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture11060544 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 544

Author(s):

Jaume Lordan ◽

Lourdes Zazurca ◽

Mercè Rovira ◽

Laura Torguet ◽

Ignasi Batlle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Set ◽

Growing Season ◽

Fruit Weight ◽

Key Factors ◽

Full Bloom ◽

Tree Management ◽

Fruit Drop ◽

Mediterranean Conditions ◽

New Cultivars ◽

Scion Cultivar

Almond is an important tree nut crop worldwide, and planted areas have been increasing year after year. While self-fertility is one of the key factors when it comes to improved almond productivity of new cultivars, yield is also affected by the number of flowers produced, pollination, fruit set, fruit drop, and fruit weight. Almond fruit drop patterns of 20 Mediterranean almond cultivars were studied over three years. In addition, fruit drop patterns of two scion cultivars ‘Marinada’ and ‘Vairo’ budded onto eight to 10 different rootstocks managed with three different pruning strategies were studied for two years. Cumulative flower and fruit drop ranged from 50% to 90% among cultivars and treatments, and there were up to four fruit drop events during the growing season, the main one occurring from 20–60 days from full bloom (DFFB). Subsequent drops were at 100 DFFB, 120–140 DFFB, and the last one at 160–180 DFFB. The later drops were less apparent. In general, about half of the cumulative drop was comprised of buds and flowers, and the remaining percentage was fruit that dropped 20 or more days after full bloom. Furthermore, different fruit drop patterns were observed depending on the cultivar. For late- and extra-late flowering cultivars, cumulative fruit drop began to decrease earlier, with most of the drops occurred already at full bloom, whereas the opposite was observed for the early flowering cultivars. Rootstocks also had an important effect on the fruit drop pattern, with different effects depending on the scion cultivar. Tree management, such as type of pruning, also had an important effect on the rate of fruit drop and cumulative drop. Therefore, each combination of cultivar × rootstock × pruning type will require different strategies in order to reduce the fruit drop and optimize crop loads.

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Genotypic and phenotypic variability in mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14393 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 683-690

Author(s):

DAN Majumder ◽

L Hassan ◽

MA Rahim ◽

MM Kabir

Keyword(s):

Fruit Set ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Mangifera Indica ◽

Genetic Advance ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

Shoot Number ◽

Additive Gene ◽

High Heritability ◽

Almost All ◽

Fruit Harvest

Sixty mango genotypes were studied to find out their variability, heritability, and genetic advance. Significant variations were observed in 20 characters. There were also considerable differences between the genotypic and the phenotypic coefficients of variation for almost all the characters which indicated the influence of environment on the expression of these traits. Among the studied characters, GCV and PCV were high for weight of harvested fruits per plant, % fruit harvest per inflorescence, % initial fruit set per inflorescence, number of fruits per plant and number of main branches per inflorescence. All the characters showed considerably high heritability which ranged from 56.21 to 98.24% and the genetic advance (as % of mean) was high for the maximum traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in weight of harvested fruits per plant, % initial fruit set per inflorescence, % of flowering shoot, number of inflorescences per shoot, percent fruit harvest per inflorescence, number of main branches per inflorescence, number of fruits per plant, number of inflorescences per shoot, plant height (cm), and percent perfect flowers which indicated that these characters were less influenced by environment confirming predominance of additive gene action and therefore, selection in favour of these characters would be feasible for yield improvement of mango. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14393 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 683-690, December 2012

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BIOLOGIA FLORAL, CICLOS FENOLÓGICOS E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE FRUTOS DE DOIS CULTIVARES DE NOGUEIRA MACADÂMIA EM SÃO MANUEL – SP

ENERGIA NA AGRICULTURA ◽

10.17224/energagric.2019v34n4p562-572 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 562-572

Author(s):

Rafael Bibiano Ferreira ◽

Marcelo de Souza Silva ◽

Jackson Mirellys Azevedo Souza ◽

Joyce Helena Modesto ◽

Sarita Leonel

Keyword(s):

Fruit Set ◽

Floral Biology ◽

Flower Senescence ◽

Flower Number ◽

Phenological Stages ◽

Macadamia Integrifolia ◽

The City ◽

E Mail ◽

Fruit Formation ◽

Made In

BIOLOGIA FLORAL, CICLOS FENOLÓGICOS E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE FRUTOS DE DOIS CULTIVARES DE NOGUEIRA MACADÂMIA EM SÃO MANUEL – SP RAFAEL BIBIANO FERREIRA1, MARCELO DE SOUZA SILVA2, JACKSON MIRELLYS AZEVÊDO SOUZA3, JOYCE HELENA MODESTO4, SARITA LEONEL 1Departamento de Horticultura, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida Universitária, n° 3780, Altos do Paraíso, Botucatu – SP, Brasil, CEP 18610-034, e-mail: [email protected]; 2Departamento de Horticultura, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida Universitária, n° 3780, Altos do Paraíso, Botucatu – SP, Brasil, CEP 18610-034, e-mail: [email protected]; 3Departamento de Horticultura, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida Universitária, n° 3780, Altos do Paraíso, Botucatu – SP, Brasil, CEP 18610-034, e-mail: [email protected]; 4Departamento de Horticultura, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida Universitária, n° 3780, Altos do Paraíso, Botucatu – SP, Brasil, CEP 18610-034, e-mail: [email protected]; 5Departamento de Horticultura, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida Universitária, n° 3780, Altos do Paraíso, Botucatu – SP, Brasil, CEP 18610-034, e-mail: [email protected]. RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a biologia floral, os ciclos fenológicos e o desenvolvimento dos frutos de cultivares de nogueira macadâmia em São Manuel, SP. Utilizaram-se os cultivares HAES 344 e HAES 660. Quando em pleno florescimento, avaliou-se, nas inflorescências, o comprimento do racemo, o número total de flores e a porcentagem de flores em pré-antese, antese e senescentes. Para a avaliação dos ciclos fenológicos e desenvolvimento dos frutos, marcaram-se ramos com gemas intumescidas, as quais foram avaliadas até a formação e queda natural dos frutos. Após a emissão dos primeiros frutos, avaliou-se o número, o comprimento e o diâmetro em intervalos quinzenais. No final das avaliações, determinou-se o número total e a porcentagem de frutos maduros em relação ao número inicial de flores. Com base nos resultados, verifica-se que após o início do florescimento ocorre grande desuniformidade nos racemos das plantas, que se estendem durante todo período produtivo. ‘HAES 344’ e ‘HAES 660’ possuem estádios fenológicos semelhantes, em relação à época e duração dos mesmos. O maior crescimento dos frutos, de ambas as cultivares, ocorre entre 30 e 90 dias após a antese, enquanto que o maior abortamento concentra-se após a antese para o cultivar HAES 344. Palavras-chaves: Macadamia integrifólia, fenologia, nozes, botânica. FLORAL BIOLOGY, PHENOLOGICAL CYCLES AND FRUIT DEVELOPMENT OF TWO MACADAMIA WALNUT CULTIVARS IN SÃO MANUEL – SP ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate floral biology, phenological cycles and fruit set development of macadamia cultivars in the city of São Manuel, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Therefore, two cultivars were evaluated such as HAES 344 and HAES 660. During full blooming period, the following analyses were made in inflorescences: raceme length; total flower number; the percentage of pre-anthesis, anthesis and flower senescence. For phenological cycles and fruit set development, swollen buds were marked on branches to be evaluated until fruit formation and ripe fruits fall. When fruits began to appear, their number, length and diameter were evaluated every fortnight. At the end of evaluations, the total number and percentage of ripe fruits were determined concerning the initial flower number. Results indicated that racemes began after flowering throughout the productive period. Also, HAES 344 and HAES 660 have similar phenological stages with regards to time and duration. Furthermore, the highest fruit growth of both cultivars occurred between 30 and 90 days after anthesis; however, the largest abortion was mainly concentrated after anthesis for HAES 344. Keywords:Macadamia integrifólia, fenology, nuts, botany.

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EFFECTS OF TREE SUPPORT AND TRAINING SYSTEM ON APPLE TREE GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.27.6.620a ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 620a-620

Author(s):

D.C. Elfying

Keyword(s):

Fruit Set ◽

Total Yield ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Training System ◽

Shoot Number ◽

Slender Spindle ◽

Total Crop ◽

Support Cost ◽

And Training

'Empire' (E) and 'Marshall McIntosh' (MM)/'Mark' trees planted in 1986 were trained to the freestanding central leader (CL), central leader with annual extension-shoot heading (HCL), slender spindle (SS) or vertical axis (VA). Support with a full tree stake (SS & VA) had little effect on shoot growth. HCL increased shoot number and mean length. Fewer pruning cuts were made on supported trees, while more were made on HCL trees. Dry weight of prunings 1989-91 was the same for all MM trees, while in E trees, CL and SS had lower pruning weights than HCL and VA. Bloom density was uninfluenced by support or training. Fruit set was greater in 1990 and 1991 on supported E trees, and in 1990 on supported MM trees. Yield was greater on supported systems in 3 out of 4 production years. Total yield after 6 years of age was 26-38% greater for supported trees of both cultivars. Bienniality was reduced about 15% by support in MM trees but unaffected by support or training in E trees. Net total crop value (estimated annual crop value minus annual harvest cost and support cost, if applicable, annual 10% discount rate) in 1991 was approximately $1600 per ha greater for supported E trees and $270 per ha greater for supported MM trees.

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660 Reducing Floral Initiation and Return Bloom in Stone Fruit Trees: Applications and Implications in Fruit Production

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.34.3.561f ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 561F-562

Author(s):

Stephen M. Southwick

Keyword(s):

Prunus Persica ◽

Fruit Set ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Fruit Production ◽

Prunus Armeniaca ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Stone Fruit ◽

Labor Costs ◽

Flower Number ◽

Prunus Salicina

Commercially grown apricots (Prunus armeniaca), peaches (Prunus persica), nectarines (Prunus persica), plums (Prunus salicina and Prunus domestica), and pluots (Prunus salicina × Prunus armeniaca) have a tendency to produce high numbers of flowers. These flowers often set and produce more fruit than trees can adequately size to meet market standards. When excessive fruit set occurs, removal of fruit by hand-thinning is common to ensure that fruit size meets market standards. Over the years there have been numerous attempts to find chemical or physical techniques that would help to reduce costs associated with and improve efficiencies of hand-thinning; however, using alternate strategies to hand-thinning have not been widely adopted in stone fruit production. In the past 10 years, through the continuing efforts of scientists throughout the world in public and private institutions and business, it appears that there are chemical sprays capable of reducing the need for hand-thinning in stone fruit. Management of flowering by reducing the number of flowers on apricot, peach, nectarine, plum, and prune has shown promise under climatic conditions such as those found in the San Joaquin Valley of California. By applying gibberellins during May through July, flowers in many stone fruit cultivars can be reduced in the following season. The reduction in flower number does not generally lead to an increase in fruit set. As a result, fruit numbers are reduced, the need for hand thinning can be reduced, and in some cases eliminated. There are risks associated with reducing flower number before climatic conditions during bloom or final fruit set are known. However, given the changes in labor costs and market demands, especially in the developed world, the benefits may outweigh the risks. The application and implications of these summer gibberellin applications toward reducing flower numbers will be discussed as it relates to commercial stone fruit growing.

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Thermochronologic constraints on the origin of the Great Unconformity

10.31223/x5f91x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kalin McDannell ◽

C. Keller ◽

William Guenthner ◽

Peter Zeitler ◽

David Shuster

Keyword(s):

Snowball Earth ◽

Plate Tectonic ◽

Bayesian Modelling ◽

Modelling Framework ◽

High Magnitude ◽

Full Picture ◽

Plausible Mechanism ◽

Thermal Histories ◽

Rodinia Assembly ◽

Continental Erosion

The origin of the phenomenon known as the Great Unconformity has been a fundamental yet unresolved problem in the geosciences for over a century. Recent hypotheses advocate either global continental exhumation of more than 3–4 km during Cryogenian (717–635 Ma) snowball Earth glaciations, or alternatively, diachronous episodic exhumation throughout the Neoproterozoic (1000–540 Ma) due to plate tectonic reorganization from supercontinent Rodinia assembly and breakup. To test these hypotheses, the temporal pattern of Neoproterozoic thermal histories were evaluated for four North American locations using previously published medium-to-low temperature thermochronology and geologic information. We present inverse time-temperature simulations within a Bayesian modelling framework that record a consistent signal of relatively rapid, high magnitude cooling of ~120–200°C interpreted as erosional exhumation of upper crustal basement during the Cryogenian. These models imply widespread, synchronous cooling consistent with at least ~3–5 km of unroofing during snowball Earth glaciations, but also demonstrate that plate tectonic drivers, with the potential to cause both exhumation and burial, may have significantly influenced the thermal history in regions that were undergoing deformation concomitant with glaciation. In the cratonic interior, however, glaciation remains the only plausible mechanism that satisfies the required timing, magnitude, and broad spatial pattern of continental erosion revealed by our thermochronological inversions. To obtain a full picture of the extent and synchroneity of such erosional exhumation, studies on stable cratonic crust below the Great Unconformity must be repeated on all continents.

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Effect of Antitranspirant and Fertilization on Flowering, Fruiting, and Biomass Production in `Early Girl' Tomato Plants

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.3.456c ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 456c-456

Author(s):

Sanliang Gu ◽

Leslie H. Fuchigami ◽

Lailiang Cheng ◽

Sung H. Guak ◽

Charles C.H. Shin

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Lycopersicon Esculentum ◽

Biomass Production ◽

Fruit Set ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Flower Number ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Fruit Number ◽

Plant Parts ◽

Fertilization Rates

Seedling plugs of `Early Girl' tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were potted in peatmoss and perlite (60:40% by volume) medium, fertilized with 8, 16, 24, or 32 g NutriCote Total controlled-release fertilizer (type 100, 13N–5.67P–10.79K plus micronutrients) per pot (2.81 L), and treated with 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 7.5% antitranspirant GLK-8924 solution, at the four true-leaf stage. Plants were tipped at the second inflorescence and laterals were removed upon emergence. Flowering of both clusters were advanced by higher fertilization rates and depressed by GLK-8924. Increasing rates of fertilization increased flower and fruit number of the lower cluster and fruit set of upper cluster. GLK-8924 had no effect on flower number, fruit number, and fruit set. Fertilization increased the biomass production of all plant parts while GLK-8924 reduced the biomass production of leaves and fruit only. Root and stem biomass was not influenced by GLK-8924. The effect of GLK-8924 on fruit dry weight was dependent on the position of the cluster and GLK-8924 concentration. Fertilization did not interact with GLK-8924 to influence flowering, fruiting, and biomass production.

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A Bayesian modelling framework for tornado occurrences in North America

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/ncomms7599 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Vincent Y.S. Cheng ◽

George B. Arhonditsis ◽

David M.L. Sills ◽

William A. Gough ◽

Heather Auld

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Bayesian Modelling ◽

Modelling Framework

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Phenotypic plasticity in mating-system traits in the annual Collinsia verna

Botany ◽

10.1139/cjb-2012-0227 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 91 (9) ◽

pp. 597-604 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Rachel B. Spigler ◽

Susan Kalisz

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variation ◽

Mating System ◽

Fruit Set ◽

Global Climate ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Selective Advantage ◽

Anther Dehiscence ◽

Flower Number ◽

Floral Longevity ◽

Collinsia Verna

Variation in abiotic factors can influence the selective advantage of selfing and expression of the mating system if mating-system modifier traits are phenotypically plastic. However, relative to biotic factors, the role of abiotic conditions in driving variation in and evolution of plant mating systems is rarely addressed. We use an experimental approach to evaluate the extent to which genetic and environmental variation influence the expression of mating-system traits in the annual Collinsia verna. We subjected families to two environmental treatments in the greenhouse that varied in light and water availability, simulating natural and short flowering-season conditions, and examined the following: autonomous fruit set, flower number, flower size, rate of anther dehiscence, floral longevity, and timing of selfing. Our results demonstrate plasticity in nearly all traits examined. Compared with natural-season conditions, plants under short-season conditions produced fewer, smaller flowers and selfed approximately one day later due to slower anther dehiscence rates. Autonomous fruit set was similar across treatments, but there was genetic variation for plasticity in this important trait. Further, we show genetic variation in autonomous fruit set, timing of selfing, and flower number and size. Given the effects of global climate change on the duration of growing season, our results suggest that plasticity in mating-system traits will affect mating-system variation and, thus, opportunities for selection.

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Erratum: A Bayesian modelling framework for tornado occurrences in North America

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/ncomms8457 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vincent Y. S. Cheng ◽

George B. Arhonditsis ◽

David M. L. Sills ◽

William A. Gough ◽

Heather Auld

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Bayesian Modelling ◽

Modelling Framework

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